August 2012 - Week 1

Can you believe it? Week 6 of the sailing program is complete!

SAILING

Geoffrey, Claire and Madi are still out on the water having fun. Geoffrey's class is doing a lot of practice races. He's learning the rules and getting a lot of starting practice. This kind of instruction and intensity really teaches him to control the boat.


Claire is practicing for another regatta. This one will take place at the SCYC next week. Claire has been talking about trying her had with a Sunfish. We'll let her give it a try when the program is over. We'll have more time to coach her.


Madi is continuing her development as well. She's out three days a week and is having fun. She's not excited by sailing and doesn't want to sign up next year.


The Hobie finally made it to the water. The kids love going fast and they like dragging behind it while holding onto a rope. We went out twice this week.

Madi sailing away from the dock!

Rose swims with the Bay Kids!

Man Overboard!

CRABBING

On Wednesday, Josh suggested that we cancel the King Crab contest this year! The problem? Crabbing has been so slow, that we haven't even bothered throwing the traps out. We're hoping that the crabs will return soon. We still have a two teams tied for the lead with crabs that measured 5 1/2 inches so the competition will continue until Labor Day.Thursday's haul included three 5" crabs along with a few throw-backers and Friday gave us two keepers.

THUNDERING SURF

SCYC sponsored a trip to Thundering Surf, the only water park on LBI. Everyone had a blast. The gang made use of all the facilities, big slides, wave zone, lazy river, and the kiddie area.


Rose wanted to try the big slides for the first time. She convinced her Mom to accompany her. When Sandi had enough, I was pressed into service! Apparently I'll do anything for that little girl!


Here are the photos:

Having fun!

No hands!

First time down the big slide!

Rose even coerced me into going with her!

Fun in the Lazy River!

THE GARDEN

Granny isn't having a whole lot of success with the garden. A marsh varmint has eaten all her green beans. Attempts to capture the critter have been unsuccessful.


She still hasn't harvested any tomatoes. The birds seem to eat them just before they turn ripe. Even so, it looks we'll have a few to harvest in a day or two.


On the other hand, she has a good crop of cucumbers. Everyone likes cucumber salad, especially the kids.

BICYCLING

All the kids bikes have finally arrived. Claire's needed a lot of work. I replaced the rear wheel tube and tire and cleaned and lubed the stiff, rusty chain. I even got a couple of the gears to work! We'll have to work more on the gears. She had to pedal like crazy to keep up. She's stuck in mountain climbing gear.

We made it to Jeffreeze!

Yummy Ice Cream!

The first ride was a five mile round trip to JEFFREEZE Ice Cream Stand. It was a hot ride. As we were returning home, we stopped for a cool, refreshing dip in the cedar headwaters of Westecunk Creek. The kids didn't want to leave!

Splashing around on the bike ride home!